On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17 (1900-1911) First Set I. Our evenings II. A blown-away leaf III. Come with us! IV. The Madonna of Frydek V. They chattered like swallows VI. Words fail! VII. Good night! VIII. Unutterable anguish IX. In tears X. The barn owl has not flown away! Second Set XI. Andante XII. Allegretto XIII. Più mosso XIV. Vivo XV. Allegro - Adagio Rudolf Firkušný, piano On the Overgrown Path is a very private musical statement that emerged at the same time Janácek was writing two highly public works, the operas Osud (Fate) and Jenufa. He was recovering from the death of his daughter, Olga, and the 15 pieces in this piano suite serve as a sort of emotional diary. The music, typically of Janácek's mature works, bears the strong influence of Moravian folk songs and dances, although Janácek employs folk elements in so personal a manner that the pieces cannot be said to be in "folk style." Melodies occur in short, sometimes gasping breaths, often with simple, repetitive left-hand accompaniment, as in songs. However, the music's erratic, improvisational nature sometimes allows the accompaniment material to break away and take control of a few measures. The rhythms and phrase lengths are irregular, as in Moravian folk music, and the frequent use of tremolo derives from the sound of the cimbalom. The pieces are brief (two to four minutes long), intimate, often brooding or melancholy, and occasionally disturbing. Janácek had ten <b>...</b>
janacek
firkusny
piano
overgrown
path
zarostlém
chodnícku
